Photo credit: Isaac Mcevoy
PNG may be the smallest economy in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), but it is rich in natural resources, according to Prime Minister James Marape.
He virtually addressed the Apec economic leaders' summit, which was hosted by New Zealand. “Papua New Guinea, in our small way, commit ourselves to preserve 13 per cent of the world’s rainforests that we have. And we commit ourselves to preserving 6 per cent of the world’s biodiversity that we have.”
Marape urged Apec leaders to be aware of PNG's global assets in light of climate change and mitigation issues and to assist the country in conservation.
When PNG hosted the Apec meeting in 2018, he said, the majority of the Apec economies came to visit.
“You would have realised that we live in the middle of east and west, we live in the middle of north and south,” he said.
“We are the smallest economy, amid each and every one of you. But we are a voice – especially advocating for small (Pacific) island nations, the smaller nations, the weaker nations. We can be a pointer to you bigger economies on how to link to each and everyone, and help humanity.”
Reference: The National (15 November 2021). “PNG committed to preserve rainforest, PM tells Apec meeting”.
